Currently: March 2018

All of the sudden we're halfway through March, and I'm finally adjusting to writing '2018' on my daily agenda! A lot has happened since the start of the new year -- some days feel so slow, but it's really going by way too fast. As I write this, I'm enjoying a quiet cup of coffee as the children sleep in (so rare!!), watching the sun rise from the window in my kitchen. I crave these quiet moments, and they are so hard to find with three young children and a busy schedule, but that makes them even more precious. I have always thought of myself as a morning person, but DH pointed out recently that I work best in the morning when alone. I guess to really be a morning person, you have to be cheerful to everyone else who woke you up? Right.... I'll work on that.

In the meantime, here's a quick update on the latest and greatest.

Listening 

Katie Herzig Noisetrade exclusive: Moment of Bliss singles + Walk Through Walls
I was introduced to the music of Katie Herzig several years ago through the Ten out of Tenn tour, and have really enjoyed following her musical path (along with other artists from this group). Her sound is catchy and soothing at the same time. A great mix for listening to while I work, exercise or just chilling. Also, I find about 90% of the music I listen to through Noisetrade. It is a fantastic platform for discovering and supporting new artists!

Reading

Do More Better by Tim Challies
This is just one of the several books on my nightstand/Kindle right now, but it's the one that seems to be having the most impact. It's a short read with lots of good advice about the why and wherefore of what we do on a daily basis, and tips for doing it better. This is something I've been latching on to lately since I've had such a  full plate (and a full heart) -- but don't want to shortchange the various commitments I have in my life right now. Challies offers both theological clarification and practical application tips for focusing on priorities, defining tasks, and being the most productive with our God-given roles and abilities. I've also got some brain candy on the Kindle right now

Remembering

Midwinter Beach Trip
We made the 18+ hour drive to Ormond Beach, Florida, for a weekend with my husband's family there. My sister and niece came along as well to celebrate her first birthday and enjoy some much-needed catch-up time. It was a nice break from reality to enjoy time with the children and soak up some sunshine and waves in the middle of winter back home. It was lovely (aside from the neverending drive) but too short! Next time we'll stay longer. The icing on the cake was my mother deciding to make the drive back with us and stay on for a few days. The last time she was up her was right after Reagan was born, and these extra days just enjoying her company were precious.

Wearing

Spring Capsule Wardrobe! 
Post coming soon. I started dreaming about spring styles back in January (who can blame me in the middle of a cold gray winter!) and these looks are finally coming into play in my closet as the weather warms up. Spring is slow coming in northern Indiana, until it suddenly decides to arrive in a blaze of glory, so I have no problem jumpstarting the balmy temps with my pretty florals and earthy pastels... especially after our trip south in February where spring was in full bloom!

Planning

Master Bathroom Remodel
DH and I are finally biting the bullet and investing in some updates to our master bathroom. Although the bathroom is functional as it is, it could definitely benefit from some cosmetic upgrades that will also help with resale value in the long run. It also happens to be out 10-year wedding anniversary in August, so I've convinced him this is a great way to celebrate... and what better way to say I Love You than a brand-new tiled walk-in shower? I'm loving the wood tile look right now (would love to re-do the kitchen with these, too) and I've found some great prices with BuildDirect. We are still researching contractors and pricing out the whole project, but I'll be posting a style board soon and excited to see where this takes us!

Till next time,

Life with More

It's a Saturday. The house is somewhat clean, the dishes are done, the baby is napping (the other two are running errands with dad), my work to-do list looks manageable, I just pulled cookies out of the oven, and I'm feeling pretty accomplished. Like maybe I'm getting the hang of this mom-of-three thing for a minute. Don't blink, the moment won't last. And I say that with humor because, Murphy's Law, something is bound to go wrong.

Reagan is now six weeks old and I can say with confidence that adjusting to baby #3 is a lot easier than baby #1. Even with two older children to care for, the veteran mom knowledge really makes a difference. By 6 weeks with Cormac, I was in excruciating pain every time I nursed him (thanks to severe nipple damage likely caused by a lip-tie which was finally released around 6 weeks), I was living like a zombie surviving on minimal sleep, and I was just barely feeling ready to leave the house and run errands with a newborn. Flash forward 4 years, and I'm working part-time hours at home, shuttling all 3 children around pretty much wherever I need to go (or foregoing an errand until I can get childcare for at least 2), and most of the time managing to put dinner on the table and keep the toilets fairly sanitary. But don't be fooled, I definitely don't have it all together. There are more days now when I lose my temper and yell at the children or snap at my husband than there were with just one baby. Yes, the capacity for love expands exponentially with each child, but my capacity for patience seems to have dwindled. And that's even with lots of help!

I haven't started this new year with a long list of resolutions or big goals because, honestly, I've been too busy to think that far ahead. But I do know that I want to move through this year with more patience, more grace and a sense of balance in our family life. For as much as children learn in the first few years of their lives, I think their parents learn just as much, if not more. Parenting brings out your strengths... and weaknesses. Flaws are magnified in the light of little eyes. Mom guilt is real and there are some days that end in defeated tears, for everyone. Motherhood is a sanctifying process ("...but women will be saved through childbearing..." 1 Tim. 2:15), and I'm grateful to be experiencing it. And very conscious of how far I have to go. I've been so blessed, but that's still easy to lose sight of when you're busy crying over spilled milk (yes, it has literally happened).

Our pastor said something recently (in the middle of another long Sunday morning wrangling toddlers to sit still and shush up in the pews) that made my ears perk up. How do you know you're doing God's will? How do you know what His will really is? Well, up front, we don't. Only God knows that. But we know our purpose in life: "To glorify God and enjoy Him forever" (WSC). So, the surest way to know we are doing God's will is to ask if we are glorifying Him. When big decisions or changes come up and we question whether we are seeking His will, or questioning what He really intends in the midst of our struggle, boiling it down to the yes or no question, "Am I glorifying God?" seems to clarify a lot.

For me, as I start 2018 with a bigger family and a longer to-do list, I want to be asking myself that question more often and acting more consistently with the honest answer. Letting my selfishness or impatience get in the way of pivotal parenting moments is not glorifying to God. Greeting my husband at the end of the day with defeat and frustration is not glorifying to God (or edifying to my husband). Employing my skills and talents to help strangers or friends, educate my children and support my family is glorifying to God. Thinking less of myself and more of others is glorifying to God. And starting my day with a humble appeal to His throne of grace for the wisdom and strength to accomplish these things is essential.

So, what does life with more children look like? A few more broken moments... and a lot more grace.

Currently: October 2015

Listening: Sleeping At Last. Absolutely one of my favorite musicians. He is talented and prolific, which means no shortage of new music! Atmospheric instrumentals and beautiful tunes with  meaningful lyrics. Gets me every time.

Reading: North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell. Just finished this one and I LOVED it. I'm a sucker for late-19th/early-20th-century historical romance. I've seen the BBC film version several times (Richard Armitage... swoon), but haven't read the book until now. Well worth it! Plus, the Kindle version is free! And call me vain, but I pretty much love any book in which the main character's name is Margaret. ;)

Richard Armitage as John Thornton | Daniela Denby-ashe as Margaret Hale 

Watching: Speaking of 19th/20th century masterpieces... Far From the Madding Crowd. Another swoon-worthy romance movie for your next girls night in. I haven't read the novel yet, and Thomas Hardy tends to be dark, but I can tell you right now it's a happy ending.

Wearing: All things fall! Scarves, boots, vests... so many favorite pieces. These items have been making a regular appearance: Fall Floral Scarf - Target (similar); Navy Quilted Puffer Vest (J. Crew). I've decided I need a plaid scarf/shawl...and lots more flannel shirts. Also, there are SO many fashion blogs out there (reference: below). When do they find the time??

Vest Styling Ideas

(you know... for when I leave the house)

http://alonestarstateofsouthern.com/2014/10/08/preppy_fall_fashion/

http://thetinyheart.blogspot.com/2014/11/look-what-i-got-old-navy-quilted-vest.html

http://www.partialtopink.com/2014/10/quilted-vest-plaid-flannel/

http://www.southerncurlsandpearls.com/2014/09/puffer-vest.html

Cooking/Eating: Chili! It must be just the time of year, but I've been in a chili kind of mood a lot lately. Not only is it easy to throw together in the crockpot, it also freezes/stores well for enjoyment at a later date! Here's a new favorite recipe inspired by DH's preference for bean-free chili: True Texas Chili

Image credit: Epicurious.com

Exploring: Boca Grande, Florida. We'll be heading there at the end of the month for a family wedding and I can't wait! We went to Florida this past January to visit family, but Northern Florida in January is still wintertime -- not quite a sunny beach vacay! Boca Grande is much farther south, on the Gulf coast, and we'll be visiting the super cute Gasparilla Island. So excited to soak up some sunshine and celebrate with family before we get ready for a chilly Midwestern winter.

Yep... looking forward to this beach view.

Admiring: The artwork of Charles Young Walls. Although I don't make as much time to paint these days as I'd like, admiring the work of other artists and staying involved with the local art league keeps me inspired and excited about opportunities to keep this passion alive!

"Majesty Rising" 36x30, Oil on Canvas - Charles Young Walls 

Planning: Little man turns 2 years old at the end of November! Making plans for fun toddler gifts and a special family dinner in his honor. Plus, we'll be traveling to see family in Georgia for the Thanksgiving holiday, so I'm checking out fun activities to try out while we're there.

What is keeping YOU busy this October?